Kampong Speu (literally ‘Port of Starfruit’) is a large province located about 40km west of Phnom Penh covering around 7000sqm.
It borders Pursat and Kampong Chhnang to the north, Kandal to the east, Takao to the southeast, Kampot to the south and Koh Kong to the west.
Its capital is Chbar Mon town and is classified as a rural province.
Kampong Speu province is known for ecotourism, the tallest mountain in Cambodia (
Mount Aural) and palm trees decorating rice fields along the country roads, in fact one third of Cambodia’s palmyra trees grow in Kampong Speu province.
Note:
Mount Aural can be climbed on foot by road or through the forest (the road takes about 2 hours). It is a relatively pleasant walk and not particularly challenging.
The bamboo forest is steep and requires reasonable physical fitness to climb, especially in humid conditions. It takes climbers 5 hours to reach the summit.
Palm trees are important to the Cambodian people, especially those in the provinces. Palm leaves are used for roofing, hats, mats, baskets and the wood is used in boat building, furniture, souvenirs, and houses.
The fruit is used in cakes and the flowers used to make sweet juice and alcoholic drinks. The juice is used to produce palm sugar.
In 2019, these palms were registered with the EU Geo Indication system which protects the consumer, distinguishes quality and helps producers market their products.